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Opioid addiction & CA law: Los Angeles drug diversion programs for legal alternatives.
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… How long a drug diversion program lasts in California. The types of education offered in California drug diversion programs. What type of communication to expect from your attorney during your diversion program. How Long Does A Diversion Program Last In California? In California, a drug diversion program typically lasts between 12 and 18 months. During this time, you would typically check in with your case manager at least once a week and appear in court anywhere from once a month to every three months. What Types Of Drug Education Classes Or Court-Ordered Therapy Are Required In California’s Diversion Programs? Diversion classes typically take the form of a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous, classes to help you deal with stress triggers, and individual psychological counseling to address and work through the underlying reasons for your drug or alcohol use. Are Random Drug Tests Required During A Drug Diversion Program? Yes, random drug tests will…Read More

Plea agreement for drug offenders in LA: Legal options at law.
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… How to qualify for a drug diversion program in Los Angeles. What happens if you fail a drug diversion program in California. How your criminal defense attorney can help you qualify for a drug diversion program. Who Qualifies For A Drug Diversion Program In Los Angeles County? In recent years, drug diversion in Los Angeles County has greatly expanded, making it more accessible even for individuals with prior arrests or convictions. The purpose of diversion is to help users move toward recovery. In order to qualify for a drug diversion program, you must be charged as a user. If the case against you involves sales, possession for sales, or anything that suggests an exclusive business operation, you will not likely be eligible. If you’re facing charges like simple possession or being under the influence and there’s no intent to sell, you may still be eligible for a drug diversion program. For more information on…Read More

Police officer conducting field sobriety test on driver in Los Angeles under legal scrutiny.
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… The standard field sobriety tests used by LAPD during DUI stops. How accurate field sobriety tests are as evidence in DUI cases. How a DUI defense attorney can challenge field sobriety test results. What Are The Standard Field Sobriety Tests Used By Los Angeles Police During DUI Stops? During a DUI stop in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) most commonly utilizes the three field sobriety tests that are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These are: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test - the officer will examine your eyes and check your ability to follow a moving object, like a pen or flashlight. One-Leg Stand Test - you will be asked to stand on one leg, keep your arms at your side, and keep your balance for around 30 seconds. Walk-and-Turn Test - you walk an imaginary line for nine steps, make a turn as requested by the officer, and…Read More

How To Mitigate Career Consequences After A Criminal Charge In California
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… What you can do to mitigate the future career consequences of charges.  How to protect your current job if you’re facing criminal charges. How expunging a conviction can improve your job prospects.  How Does A Criminal Conviction Impact Your Career Or Academic Opportunities In California? The impact of a criminal conviction on your career or academic opportunities in California varies depending on the type of conviction, the license you hold, and your specific circumstances. Certain charges, such as crimes of violence, crimes involving moral turpitude (like dishonesty), and sex-related offenses, can significantly affect your professional life. These convictions can also hinder your ability to join the military or gain admission to many schools and colleges. Are There Any Legal Protections For Employees Who Are Facing Job Loss Due To A Criminal Conviction In California? If you have lost your job due to a conviction for a type of crime not related to your field…Read More

A wooden gavel, a white card with the text
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… The function and benefits of a plea deal in a DUI case. Factors that can influence a plea deal. Common terms and offers in a California DUI plea deal. What Is A Plea Deal In The Context Of A DUI Case? A plea deal is an agreement where you accept a reduced charge or sentencing terms in exchange for pleading guilty. This may involve lesser DUI-related charges or a charge that is less severe than a DUI. In California, there are lesser charges such as alcohol-related reckless driving, non-alcohol-related reckless driving, infractions, speeding, or being drunk in public. The specific charge depends on the facts of your case. Why Might It Be Beneficial To Accept A Plea Deal For A DUI Charge In California? Depending on the facts of the case, your background, and the court you’re in, a plea deal could be substantially less risky than going before a judge. Some cases are…Read More

A gavel and a glass of wine on a desk, accompanied by car keys and a clock, symbolizing a DUI trial in California. - The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover… The key stages of a DUI trial in California. What evidence is submitted during a trial. How a seasoned attorney can help defend you during a DUI trial. What Are The Key Stages Of A DUI Trial In California? The key stages in the DUI trial are going to be cross-examination of the arresting or investigating law enforcement officer, and if applicable, cross-examination of the State's expert. How Do Jury Selection And Opening Statements Work In A DUI Trial? It’s important to find jurors with a neutral attitude toward alcohol and towards driving after having had a drink. The juror needs to be able to understand that drinking and driving alone is not illegal and that a certain blood alcohol content or level of impairment needs to be reached for the act to be illegal. It’s important to find a juror who is open to that concept, who is not pro-prosecution, and who is…Read More

Gavel placed on a wooden table. - The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover: The best time to hire an attorney for sex crime charges Which sex crimes require you to register as a sex offender The different statutes of limitations in sex cases What Types Of Sex Crimes Cases Does Your Firm Typically Handle? Our law firm handles a wide variety of sex crimes cases involving both children and adults. Some of the cases we handle include: Rape, Child molestation, Lewd conduct, Indecent exposure, and Child pornography. Furthermore, with the rise in popularity of AI, possession of AI-generated child pornography has become a charge that we see more commonly all the time. While the government wants to discourage this type of material, there are a lot of legal issues with prosecuting it. Because AI technology is so sophisticated, it can create a picture using the face of a child and the body of someone else. While this may create a disturbing image, it doesn’t necessarily meet the…Read More

A man opening a suitcase filled with drugs, showcasing illegal activity - The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover: The potential penalties in drug sale and distribution cases Common defenses to drug sale and distribution charges The benefits of being represented by an attorney in court Is The Distribution Or Sale Of Drugs A Misdemeanor Or Felony In California? In California, the distribution or sale of drugs can be both a misdemeanor and a felony. The seriousness of the charge depends on factors such as: The type of drug The quantity or weight of the drug And more… In sale and distribution cases, the amount and type of drug are directly related to the severity of the charges. It can make the difference between being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. It can also affect whether you are facing mandatory jail time. What Are The Penalties For A Drug Distribution Conviction? There are a wide range of possible penalties for a drug distribution conviction. If the conviction is for a misdemeanor, your…Read More

A man is dangerously drinking from a bottle while driving - The Law Offices Of Matthew Cargal
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

In this article, you can discover: How taking or refusing a breath test can affect your driver’s license When an ignition interlock is required in a DUI case The ways in which a DUI attorney can help protect your driving privileges What Happens To My Driver’s License If I’m Charged With DUI After Taking A Breath Test? When a breathalyzer test shows that you are over the legal limit, the police have the authority to take your driver’s license away. Your license can also be confiscated by the police if you fail a blood test. Whether the police take your driver’s license away or not, the DMV will seek to suspend your license. However, you have the right to fight this suspension at a DMV hearing called an “administrative per se hearing.” If the judge rules in your favor at the DMV hearing, your driver’s license will be reinstated. If you lose the hearing, the length of your license suspension…Read More

A man holding a gun and money on a table
  • By: Matthew Cargal, Esq.

Despite recent legalizations for some substances, drug charges are all too easy to come by and remarkably hard to shake. This article dives into the most common drug charges in California, explaining what every citizen ought to know about their rights and what to do if they are facing a drug charge. It explains: What determines whether the drug charge will be a felony or a misdemeanor. The potential penalties you might face for the most common drug charges in California. Some defense strategies and alternative sentencing options a lawyer can help you pursue. What Are The Most Common Types Of Drug Cases In California? Despite what the movies and TV shows would have you believe, most drug charges do not involve suitcases full of cocaine or someone off of their mind on meth. The average Californian is, in fact, far more likely to be busted at a party with some recreational drugs in their pocket at a football party.…Read More

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